Director, Media Strategy

Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

$110K/yr – $135K/yrDirector/Executive7+ years exp

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Own and orchestrate high-impact executive thought leadership and media programs for technology and healthcare brands, translating strategic narratives into visible CEO-level positioning across earned and owned channels.

  • Executive visibility: lead C-suite thought leadership and evergreen platforms across enterprise software, AI, data, cybersecurity, and health tech to build authorities.
  • Financial communications: manage earnings, IPO, and milestone media narratives with top-tier press and crisis-ready counsel.
  • Integrated media leadership: advise on messaging, media engagement, and client strategy across senior accounts, with internal coaching to raise agency-wide media excellence.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • C-Suite and SME Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility: Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead for C-suite thought leadership programs at major technology and healthcare companies, including enterprise software, AI, cloud, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, health technology, and life sciences brands.
  • Develop and execute executive visibility strategies that establish C-suite leaders as authoritative voices across technology, healthcare, and the intersection of both.
  • Build and manage evergreen thought leadership platforms that sustain executive presence between major news moments.
  • Provide strategic counsel to senior clients on message development, media positioning, and storytelling across earned and owned channels.
  • Financial Communications & High-Stakes Media Programs: Lead media strategy for high-profile financial communications events, including earnings calls, IPO media programs, and corporate milestone campaigns.
  • Develop proactive media narratives that support positioning before, during, and after financial events, including briefing top-tier financial and business press.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors at top-tier financial, business and consumer media.
  • Guide clients through sensitive or high-stakes communications moments, providing best-in-class media counsel on reputation, crisis, and leadership transition scenarios across sectors.
  • B2B & B2C Technology, Healthcare & Emerging Media: Maintain deep, current knowledge of the B2B & B2C technology and business and consumer healthcare media landscapes; including emerging outlets and "new media" that are reshaping how enterprise technology and the future of healthcare stories are told.
  • Identify and pursue emerging media opportunities that position clients ahead of industry conversations, leveraging trend-based pitching and proactive storytelling.

Requirements

  • 7+ years of media relations experience with at least 4 years within a PR agency, with demonstrated expertise in business, technology, financial, and healthcare media.
  • Proven experience developing and executing C-suite thought leadership programs for major technology, financial and/or healthcare companies, with a track record of securing placements in top-tier business, technology, and health media.
  • Direct experience with financial communications — including earnings media programs, IPO communications, or related high-stakes corporate milestones — is required.
  • Deep fluency in the B2B and B2C technology and healthcare media landscapes with a strong understanding of how emerging media outlets and formats are reshaping storytelling.
  • Established relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at leading national print/digital and broadcast, and trade media outlets .
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training, workshops, or internal capability-building programs that elevate team performance at scale.
  • Strong strategic leadership and senior client management experience, with the ability to serve as a trusted advisor at the executive level.
  • Experience managing and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
  • Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
  • Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
  • Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
  • Paid parental leave benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
  • Monthly technology reimbursement
  • Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
  • 501c3 donation matching program
  • Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
  • Monthly recognition and team celebrations
  • Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
  • Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
  • Dog-friendly office environment
  • A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work
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Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency built at the intersection of innovation and industry.We help ambitious brands navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated capabilities across strategic marketing communications, creative, and insights, we bring clarity where there’s noise – and influence where it matters most.Our team operates at the speed of change, delivering bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B tech, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, financial services, and beyond.Whether you’re preparing for IPO, entering a new market, or reshaping your category, we’re the partner that helps you rise above.Highwire. Above all.

San Francisco, California, USA
184 employees (40 in marketing)

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
9.4K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
38.4%
Direct
41.9%
Referral
6.3%
Social
11.6%
Paid
1.5%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~184

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
33 (18% of company)
Median Career Experience
8.5 years
Median Tenure
2.3 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
8

Funding

Last Raise
Private Equity, 4 years ago

Funding History

  • Sep 2022
    Private Equity

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